Don’t Wait Too Long to Extract a Damaged Tooth

Don’t Wait Too Long to Extract a Damaged Tooth

The tendency to postpone a tooth extraction or procrastinate when it comes to scheduling your oral surgery appointment is understandable. Sometimes it’s hard for you to determine just how bad the tooth really is. Even after a tooth has broken off or developed an abscess, there may be little or no pain. Maybe you can manage the pain with antibiotics and pain relievers. Maybe it feels like it’s getting better. Or, maybe you can just avoid chewing on the damaged tooth for a while.

The truth is that a tooth will not always give you a clear signal that it’s time for an extraction. Though the tooth may not be bothering you, you can be sure that significant damage is occurring below the surface.

If periodontal disease (gum disease) has destroyed the bone around your tooth, it may need to be extracted due infection and a lack of support. The damage caused by gum disease can advance to the point that the condition is determined to be irreversible. Waiting too long to address the problem can result in extensive bone loss that could jeopardize adjacent teeth as well as your chances of getting a dental implant in the future. Even more alarming, the chronic infection can begin to affect your overall health.

A broken or abscessed tooth presents its own set of challenges. The decay and infection can spread to affect the neighboring teeth, plus it creates a crevice that attracts plaque and food, causing uncontrollable bad breath.

Seeking treatment as soon as possible can prevent unnecessary discomfort and more expensive procedures. Your quick actions will also prevent damage to the adjacent teeth and bones, while expanding your options for a tooth replacement.